Hyundai does not have plans for a Kona EV in 2026, but it is not being permanently discontinued.

      In a surprising turn of events, Hyundai has decided to skip the 2026 Kona Electric in the U.S. The South Korean carmaker has paused production of the current generation Kona EV while dealerships work on depleting their existing inventory.

      A representative from Hyundai told Car and Driver that there is currently "adequate stock of the 2025 model year" Kona EV to fulfill demand.

      Hyundai

      Reasons Behind the Pause

      The company has assured that this pause is temporary—production is slated to restart in June for the 2027 model year.

      However, does Hyundai really have enough Kona EVs to satisfy customer needs? The shopping tool from the outlet indicates there are only 25 new Kona EVs available across the country, which raises questions about that assertion. So, what lies beneath these optimistic statements?

      It appears that waning EV demand is a significant factor. Sales of the Kona Electric have reportedly dropped by 41% from 2024 to 2025, largely due to the removal of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit by the U.S. government and a shift in consumer preference toward hybrid models.

      Hyundai

      Not a Permanent Goodbye

      Other contributing elements include import tariffs (which hinder Hyundai from pricing the EV competitively), internal competition from Hyundai's Ioniq 5, and outdated features (particularly regarding range and charging time), which have likely influenced the decision to halt current production.

      On a positive note, a camouflaged version of the Hyundai Kona EV has been spotted in South Korea (as reported by Electrek), suggesting that the model is undergoing a significant redesign—something that is clearly necessary.

      Thus, this production pause could provide the vital time needed to prepare for a refreshed 2027 model featuring improved exteriors, interiors, and powertrains.

      For over five years, Shikhar has effectively simplified the latest developments in consumer technology.

      Porsche may reconsider its plans for electric Boxster and Cayman sports cars

      Porsche's aspirations for the 718 EVs may face challenges as the automaker reassesses its strategy to merge high-performance models with internal combustion engines. Recent speculation from Stuttgart indicates the possibility that the company could scrap the 718 Boxster and Cayman EV models altogether.

      Initially scheduled to debut in 2025, the all-electric 718 models were anticipated to be significant additions to Porsche's lineup. However, a recent report from Bloomberg reveals that the new CEO, Michael Leiters, who began his tenure on January 1, 2026, is contemplating discontinuation of the 718 series.

      Tesla introduces a new Model Y AWD option and pricing tier

      Tesla has launched a new all-wheel drive variant of the Model Y in the U.S., which is priced at $41,990, according to an update on its website this Monday. This minor adjustment brings immediate benefits for consumers seeking AWD without opting for a pricier model.

      The timing isn't coincidental. The overall EV market has cooled since September when the Trump administration ended the federal $7,500 tax credits, increasing the prices many buyers effectively face. Tesla is strategically lowering entry prices to maintain demand, and this new option aligns with that strategy.

      Pop-out door handles may soon be eliminated as China takes action against the design

      Due to safety issues associated with hidden and electronic door handles, China is moving to address this concern, a decision that will likely impact global automakers.

      In recent years, cars with pop-out door handles have transitioned from an innovative concept to becoming almost standard, especially as EV manufacturers emulated Tesla's clean appearance. While visually appealing, these handles have led to several real-world issues, including frozen mechanisms in cold weather and doors that won't open when the battery dies, resulting in drivers being locked out and, more alarmingly, passengers becoming trapped in the event of an accident. In response, Chinese regulators are stepping up to curtail this trend.

      China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced new vehicle safety regulations that will effectively prohibit hidden and flush-mounted door handles on new vehicles. As reported by Bloomberg, these regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to all new passenger vehicles authorized for sale in the country.